“Mephibosheth
ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sons.” (v.11)
In
any transfer of power in the ancient world, a new monarch was often concerned
about two things. First, he wanted to stabilize the kingdom by subduing all
surrounding enemies. Second, he would
often protect his throne by killing all relatives of the previous ruler.
Unlike
other kings who would destroy all potential rebels, David sought to show
kindness to Saul’s remaining descendants. He promised to restore Mephibosheth’s
land and commissioned workers to tend the land in order to provide for
Jonathan’s son. Furthermore, he promised that, “Mephibosheth would always eat
at the king’s table.” What an example of grace. A crippled son of David’s
enemy, who can offer nothing in return, was granted the honor of family
fellowship with the king.
Here we see a beautiful parallel to the family fellowship we as Christians are granted through
God’s Son, Jesus. Like Mephibosheth, we shall one day eat at The King’s table
like one of His Sons.
The
Truth
“For you are all sons of God through
faith in Christ Jesus.” (Galations 3:26)
